Emerge Maryland will review completed applications and select finalists for the program.

Finalists will be invited to attend an interview with a selection committee. From these interviews, the program members will be selected.

Emerge Maryland’s program will deliver approximately 75 hours of training. Your success in the Emerge program depends upon your commitment to the program's entire schedule. Some time outside of regularly scheduled seminars will be necessary for class preparation and homework.

Time Commitment

Your success in the Emerge Maryland candidate training program depends upon your commitment to the program's entire schedule. Over the seven-month period, approximately 75 program hours are scheduled. Some time outside of regularly scheduled seminars will be necessary for seminar preparation.

Attendance for all classes is mandatory. Absences may result in dismissal from the program.

You will learn best practices in fundraising, networking and coalition building, honing your message, writing a field plan and stump speech, how to seek endorsements, public speaking, dealing with the media and the press and much more! All of these skills will make you a better and more polished candidate, giving you an edge!

During the course of the program, participants are also required to participate in fundraising activities that will benefit Emerge Maryland.

Arrival 8-8:30am. Dismissal varies, plan on 5:00pm

Application

• A non-refundable application fee.

Your application will be complete once you have:

1) completed and submitted the online application,2) submitted the application fee, and3) Emerge Maryland has received two letters of reference directly from your references.

You are responsible for ensuring that your application is complete.

Your non-refundable application fee must be paid for your application to be considered.

Participation in the Emerge Maryland program requires a tuition which includes material fees, meals etc. Please note that travel expenses are not included. There is another $500 obligation to be raised through each program members fundraising efforts for the program.

This money offsets, but does not nearly cover, the cost of Emerge Maryland’s out-of-pocket costs for providing the training sessions. Emerge Maryland believes that individual circumstances should NOT be a barrier to participation in the program.

Partial financial aid may be awarded after admission to the program. This does not cover the fundraising requirement.

Selection Criteria (keep these in mind as you fill out the application)

Emerge Maryland seeks bright, self-motivated women who are committed to effective and ethical political leadership.

Criteria for selection include:

• evidence of political leadership experience or potential, and meaningful involvement in workplace or community;• interest in pursuing political office;• demonstrated ability to bring together disparate groups to achieve a goal;• ability and desire to build effective networks;• ability to articulate a personal political vision;• demonstrated ability to inspire others;• commitment to full participation and attendance requirements of the trainings.

We are here to help you, whether you are trying to decide if running for office is for you, or you need help completing your application, or you have questions about the program. Please contact us at contact@emergemaryland.org or call Diane Fink, Executive Director at 301-788-1661

Put Yourself On The Ballot

Learn about the Emerge program, how to apply and get connected to our Council of Allies